Najla G. Noujaim, 83, "collected grandchildren"

She both collected and gave memories that last longer than a lifetime and taught life lessons, often without knowing it, including such important virtues as how to perfectly peel a grapefruit, eating an éclair from the "inside out," always jumping on quilts when taking them off a bed, and never, ever forgetting to play. Najla's cooking was legendary, and many freezers and refrigerators will be emptier without her, as will so many hearts in the local area and beyond.